Explore Belleville

13th Annual Chili Chase 5k
2026-10-10 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | E Main and Church Street, Belleville, 62220, United States
Join us for the 13th Annual Chili Chase 5K – Belleville’s favorite winter run!
Kick off your morning with a fun and festive race through the heart of Belleville. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running for fitness, or simply soaking in the community spirit, this event is perfect for runners of all ages and abilities. Enjoy a lively atmosphere, great competition, and the chance to earn awards in multiple age categories. Plus, kids can join the Pepper Dash for their own medal and a big dose of fun!

42nd Annual Belleville Chili Cook Off
2026-10-09 11:00 - 2026-10-10 20:00 | Belleville Public Square, Belleville, 62220
Hosted by the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce, the Annual Chili Cook-Off has been a beloved tradition for more than 41 years!
What began as a small event with just a handful of vendors on one block of East Main Street has grown into one of Belleville’s largest and most anticipated festivals—featuring over 60 vendors showcasing their best chili recipes.
While many attend for the delicious chili, live entertainment, and festive atmosphere, few realize the event’s incredible impact: it’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for many local non-profit organizations. In fact, more than half of the participating vendors represent non-profits or businesses raising money for charitable causes.
Attendees can also make a difference by voting in the People’s Choice Contest—just $1 per vote, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Community Interfaith Food Pantry in Belleville.
Join us for great food, great fun, and a great cause!

First Fridays at LongStory Coffee
2026-10-02 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-09-04 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-07 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-03 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-05 16:00 - 18:00 | LongStory Coffee, 732 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Come join us for First Fridays at LongStory Coffee on the first Friday of every month from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
Jon Goodson, former owner of Belleville’s 1980’s-1990’s Trak Records, will be at the cafe spinning records, as well as selling vinyls/CD’s.

2026 Belleville Main Street Marathon and Half Marathon
2026-09-26 09:08, 2026-09-26 07:00 - 13:30 | 19 Public Square, 19 Public Square, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Get ready to make history with us on Saturday, September 26, 2026, as we commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Belleville Main Street Marathon and our Half Marathon being designated as the Road Runners Club of America Illinois State Championship Event!!! This year promises to be our biggest and most exciting event yet!
Both the full and half marathon courses are ideal for runners of all experience levels and include Main Street and other city roads. The full marathon is a USTAF-certified Boston Marathon qualifier that also includes about 10 miles on a paved trail.
The Belleville Main Street Marathon and Half Marathon is a non-profit event, with proceeds reinvested back into our community (community food pantry, Belleville Parks and Recreation Department, and a college scholarship fund for Belleville high school students), with $20,000 being donated from 2025 race proceeds. We are a grass-roots event organized by dedicated volunteers from the Belleville Running Club and Toolen’s Running Start.
For more information about the marathon and half marathon or volunteer opportunities, please visit www.bellevillemarathon.com.

Paint Historic Belleville Art Auction
2026-09-19 | Historic Garfield Street Saloon, 633 E Garfield Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Save the Date: Details Coming Soon

Bellevue Park Nights (08/14)
2026-08-14 19:00 - 23:00 | Bandshell in Bellevue Park, 401 Bellevue Park Dr, Belleville, 62226
Come out and enjoy a local band in the park before kicking back under the stars for a summer movie! Enjoy food trucks and activities for kids before the movie. Bands start at 7:00pm and the movie starts at sunset. View full at link below!

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival: Two Gentleman of Verona
2026-08-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Bandshell in Bellevue Park, 401 Bellevue Park Dr, Belleville, 62226
Best friends Valentine and Proteus swear loyalty to each other… until they both fall for the same woman. Suddenly loyalty, love, and good judgment all go out the window. Complete with disguises, misunderstandings, and one very scene-stealing dog, this is Shakespeare’s original rom-com about friendship, forgiveness, and the hilarious messiness of growing up.
Don’t miss the talented actors live on stage at the Bellevue Park Bandshell on August 13th! St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s commitment to accessible theater means this event is FREE to attend and held right here in one of our public parks. We hope to see you there!

Cub Scout Twilight Camp
2026-07-20 17:30 - 2026-07-24 20:30 | Stone Lodge, 401 Bellevue Park Dr, Belleville, 62226
Cub Scouts will be at Bellevue Park again this summer! A five-night Cub Scout experience in our community giving Scouts in Belleville the experiences that we are known for! Fishing, Archery, STEM, and more! July 20-24 every night from 5:30pm to 8:30 pm! A chaperone is required to attend.

Sunday Sundae Sprint
2026-07-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Laderman Park, 1105 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville, 62220, United States
Calling all runners! Join us for a 1-mile fun run for National Ice Cream Day! Whether you’re a fast runner or just in it for the fun, this event is all about being active and having a great time. Entry fee is $20 each and includes a T-shirt and a post-run sundae bar! Event is open to all ages.

CLETUS T. JUDD with special guest RICKY MELTON
2026-07-18 20:00 - 22:00 | The Lincoln Theatre, 103 E Main Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
James Barry Poole is an American country music artist who records under the name Cledus T. Judd. Known primarily for his parodies of popular country songs, he has been called the “Weird Al” Yankovic of country music”, and his albums are usually an equal mix of original comedy songs and parodies. He is bringing all of his musical & comedic fun to the stage of the Lincoln Theatre, and if you love laughter, music, and a really good time, then get your tickets NOW, as all seats are only $35 each!

Bellevue Park Nights (07/10)
2026-07-10 19:00 - 23:00 | Bandshell in Bellevue Park, 401 Bellevue Park Dr, Belleville, 62226

Freedom Celebration
2026-06-28 17:00 - 20:00 | St. Matthew Church, 1200 Moreland Dr., Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Come and join St. Matthew Church for a picnic, activities for all ages, and music to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The program will include the choir and the orchestra and will be outside on the St. Matthew grounds. Picnic begins at 5:00 p.m. with the music program beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Craft Beer Walk
2026-06-27 15:00 - 19:00 | 227 E Main Street, 227 E Main Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Community event to encourage attendees to support the Downtown District. Merchants will have craft beer samples and live music at their locations.

Liberty and Legacy Parade: A Hometown Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary
2026-06-27 11:00 - 12:30 | City Hall, test, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
The City of Belleville will hold the Liberty and Legacy Parade commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and we hope that you will join us. We have included a letter from Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer, an entry form, parade guidelines, and a map. Please review, and if you would like to join us, please return to Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer, via email at jmeyer@belleville.net, or via mail at 101 S Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220. Please return the registration no later than May 20, 2026.
Belleville’s Liberty and Legacy Parade Information

FREEDOM FEST
2026-06-26 17:00 - 2026-06-27 22:30 | Southern Illinois Justice Center, formerly Lindenwoodd, Belleville, 2600 West Main, St, Belleville, IL, 62226, United States
This is a music festival to celebrate our freedoms here in the USA, by honoring those who have fought and continue to fight to protect our nation, our Veterans and first responders, through charitable donations. Our first event will be held at the Southern Illinois Justice Center, formerly Lindenwood, Belleville Campus. There will be grandstand seating and field seating, if you bring your lawn chair or blanket.
In addition to live music, there will be food booths, veteran information booths and displays.
The charity for this year will be “Honor Flight.”
NO outside food or beverage allowed. There is a clear bag policy, as well.
Advance tickets: $30 Dailey or Weekend Pass $50
Day of Event: $40; Weekend Pass $70
FRIDAY, June 26, 2026, 5PM -10:30PM
SATURDAY, June 27, 2026, 3PM – 10:30PM

The Great Puzzle Race
2026-06-25 18:30 - 21:00 | St. Paul United Church of Christ,, 115 W B St,, Belleville, IL, 62220
Thursday, June 25th – 6:30-9:00PM
Deadline to sign up is June 12th!
Cost is $10 per person ($5 for ages 6-11)
2-4 people per table
Attendance prizes and a prize for the 1st and 2nd place winners.
Bring your own drinks and snacks! Popcorn & lemonade will be provided.
Sponsored by St Paul UCC Mission and Christian Education teams.
All proceeds will be donated to Beacon, which provides low-income people in need of furniture and household goods for a new beginning.
RSVP by mailing or dropping off a check or cash to the office!
115 W. B. St., Belleville, IL 62220

Starry Night Campout
2026-06-20 19:00 - 2026-06-21 08:00 | The CAMPUS, 2300 W Main St, Belleville, IL, 62226, United States
Join Belleville Parks and Recreation at the Campus Stadium for a campout under the stars. Families will pitch their own tents. We will be watching a movie on the inflatable screen, eating hot dogs, playing games and making smores.

One City, Many Stories: Belleville History Field Day
2026-06-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Belleville, Illinois, Belleville, 62220, United States
Celebrate America 250 with a fun, free day of local history in downtown Belleville!
You’ll explore:
• Historical demonstrations
• Exhibits and workshops
• Short films
• Live music
• Lincoln in Belleville walking tour
• Hands-on activities for all ages

St.Mary's Parish, Alumni and Community Homecoming
2026-06-13 17:00 - 23:00 | St. Mary Parish, 1706 W Main Street, Belleville, IL, 62226, United States
Former
Alumni, parishioners and community come home and get together for an evening of fun with previous classmates young and old

Bellevue Park Nights (06/12)
2026-06-12 19:00 - 23:00 | Bandshell in Bellevue Park, 401 Bellevue Park Dr, Belleville, 62226
Come out and enjoy a local band in the park before kicking back under the stars for a summer movie! Enjoy food trucks and activities for kids before the movie starts! Takes place once a month on a Friday! Bands start at 7pm, movie starts at sunset. See full schedule below:
May 8 Band: Fanfare! Movie: Sing
June 12 Band: Dawn Weber Movie: The Greatest Showman
July 10 Band: Magnifikats Movie: Finding Nemo
Aug 14 Band: St. Chuck Movie: Big Hero 6
Spet 11 Band: Shortmist Movie: Moana 2

2026 Shriners Day Parade
2026-06-05 19:30 - 21:00 | IL
🎉 2026 Shriners Parade – Belleville, Illinois 🎉
Get ready, Belleville! The 2026 Shriners Parade is rolling into town bigger and better than ever. Shriners from all over, along with local schools, businesses, clubs, and units, come together to create one of the biggest and longest parades in Southern Illinois.
From colorful floats and marching units to classic cars and Shriner fun, this is a community celebration you won’t want to miss. Bring the family, grab a spot along the route, and enjoy a parade filled with tradition, pride, and hometown spirit!
“Having Fun Helping Kids” – Ainad Shriners

SATISFACTION - The International ROLLING STONES Tribute - 25th Anniversary Tour
2026-06-04 19:30 - 21:30 | The Lincoln Theatre, 103 E Main Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
If you love the music of the Rolling Stones, then this is one Tribute Show you don’t want to miss! These band members have played together for 25 years, and are celebrating an Anniversary Tour like no other!

City of Belleville Blood Drive
2026-05-27 12:30 - 16:30 | City Hall, test, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
Blood Drive
City of Belleville
Atrium
101 S Illinois St
Belleville, IL 62220
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: CityOfBelleville
to schedule an appointment.

Honoring the Legacy 5K
2026-05-25 08:30 - 09:30 | Laderman Park, 1105 Mascoutah Ave., Belleville, 62220, United States
The Honoring The Legacy Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk seeks to honor the many who have given their lives in defense of our country.
The run helps support Trail Life and American Heritage Girl Troops IL-0078 in the Belleville area in their efforts to promote patriotism, good citizenship, and a love for the military through the programs offered.
Event details and schedule
Registration
$30 received NLT May 5; $35 May 6 to race day — T-shirt guaranteed if registered & paid NLT May 5
Make checks out to TrailLife Troop IL-0078 and send to Honoring The Legacy 5K, 225 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Belleville IL 62220
Online registration will be open now through Monday, May 25.
Paper packet registration can be picked up at Toolen’s Running Start, 3220 Green Mt Crossing Dr, O’Fallon, IL 62269, through Saturday, May 23
In-person registration on Saturday, May 23 2:00-4:00 pm at Toolen’s Running Start
In-person registration on Monday, May 25, 7:30-8:15am, before the race.
Packet Pickup
Sat, May 23, 2:00-4:00 pm at Toolen’s Running Start,
3220 Green Mount Crossing Dr, Shiloh, IL 62269
Packet Pickup/Late Registration: Mon, May 25, 7:30-8:15 am at Laderman Park,
1105 Mascoutah Ave, Belleville, IL 62220
Race Event Schedule
7:30 am – Race Check-In
8:30 am – National Anthem
8:45 am – Race start
9:45 am – Award ceremony
Course Description
The course begins and ends at Laderman Park in Belleville, Illinois and will run downtown Belleville.
Parking
There is parking available in Laderman Park. Exiting the park will not be available until after all the runners/walkers have completed the race. Please be safe.
Awards
Medals for top three male and female finishers in each age category (14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
Awards for top three male and female Overall and Masters Division finishers
What To Bring
Bring essentials like comfortable running attire, proper footwear, a water bottle for hydration, and a towel for post-race cleanup.
Bib provided in packet attached to shirt
Good thoughts for cool weather!

Fancy Pants Tea Party
2026-05-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Stone Lodge, 401 Bellevue Park Dr, Belleville, 62226
Grab your fancy little hat and gloves and join us for a lovely afternoon tea party. We will have delicious tea and snacks! We will also have crafts and games to make your afternoon even more enjoyable. Parent participation required, this is not a drop-off program. You will only register your child.
